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DOI: https://doi.org/10.34069/AI/2024.77.05.1
How to Cite:
Nuñez Martinez, G., Martínez Cruz, M.A., Chávez Pichardo, M., Trejo Martínez, A., & Arenas Reséndiz, T. (2024). Comparative
analysis: sustainable fashion vs. fast fashion. Amazonia Investiga, 13(77), 9-19. https://doi.org/10.34069/AI/2024.77.05.1
Comparative analysis: sustainable fashion vs. fast fashion
Análisis Comparativo: Moda Sustentable vs. Moda Rápida
Received: March 28, 2024 Accepted: May 15, 2024
Written by:
Gisela Nuñez Martinez1
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7581-1039
Miguel Ángel Martínez Cruz2
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4431-9262
Mauricio Chávez Pichardo3
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3378-0440
Alfredo Trejo Martínez4
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6555-2285
Tanya Arenas Reséndiz5
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0385-0791
Abstract
Sustainable fashion is a philosophy centered on the
ethical and environmentally responsible production
of garments. However, currently prevailing in the
market is a model known as fast fashion, which is
characterized by mass production of low-quality
garments at affordable prices. In this context, our
article presents a comparative analysis between
sustainable fashion and fast fashion, highlighting
how these models represent two divergent
approaches in the fashion industry. Overall, this work
aims to contribute to the literature by exploring the
differences, challenges, and advancements in the
development of both trends. The study examines
production speed, material usage, working
conditions, and environmental awareness,
developing a conceptual framework that provides an
overview of the complexity of the fashion industry
and its potential direction in terms of sustainability
and responsible consumption.
Keywords: Sustainable development, fast fashion,
slow fashion, sustainable fashion, clothing, apparel
industry.
1
MSc, Researcher at the Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores del Oriente del Estado de México; Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México.
WoS Researcher ID: KMA-1141-2024
2 PhD, Professor at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional, SEPI-ESIME Zacatenco, Mexico. WoS Researcher ID: ADX-7792-2022
3 PhD, Professor at the Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores del Oriente del Estado de México, Mexico. WoS Researcher ID:
KFS-9130-2024
4 PhD, Professor at the Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores del Oriente del Estado de México, Mexico. WoS Researcher ID:
KGD-9714-2024
5 PhD, Professor at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional; Universidad Rosario Castellanos, Mexico. WoS Researcher ID: ADO-1382-2022
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source is cited.
Introduction
The fashion industry is considered one of the most environmentally damaging, ranking just behind the oil
extraction and production sector (Diabat et al., 2014). Currently, the fashion industry is dominated by the
model known as "Fast Fashion," characterized by mass production of garments at low costs and with
extremely rapid production and consumption cycles. Its ever-changing dynamics are driven by rapidly
emerging fashions and trends, a key strategy to maintain a profitable position in an increasingly demanding
market (Bhardwaj & Fairhurst, 2010).
Although this model is known for its economic contributions and job creation, these benefits are offset by
the dynamics of overproduction and overconsumption at extremely accelerated rates (Ramallo, 2018). The
large-scale production of fast fashion demands the utilization of numerous natural resources to meet the
demand for low-cost and low-quality products (Lobo, 2022; Brydges, 2021). Therefore, the fast fashion
industry has become synonymous with concern due to the variety of environmental issues it generates
(Niinimäki et al., 2020). The mass production of clothing not only leads to significant emissions of
greenhouse gases and water pollution (Abbas et al., 2020) but also results in the generation of textile waste
and harmful chemicals.
Faced with the environmental and social impact associated with the rapid growth of the fashion industry,
there arises the need to adopt more sustainable practices both in the production and consumption of
garments. This change gives rise to the "Slow Fashion" movement, which is a direct response to the fast
fashion system that has dominated the industry for decades (Linden, 2016). Slow fashion is characterized
by its focus on sustainability, ethics, and conscious consumption, producing durable and high-quality
garments. This movement seeks to challenge the predominant model of economic growth in the fashion
industry and promote a dialogue about the sector's practices and goals, aiming to drive a shift towards more
ethical and sustainable values (Fletcher, 2010).
From slow fashion arises the concept of "Sustainable Fashion," which represents a natural extension of its
principles. Sustainable fashion goes beyond slow fashion by incorporating additional approaches such as
recyclability, circular economy, and sustainable technologies to minimize environmental and social impact.
This contrast underscores the importance of sustainable management in the supply chain in the fashion
industry, an extremely long and complex chain (Jacometti, 2019), where the adoption of sustainable
practices is essential to address the inherent problems in this industry. This approach has transformed the
industry landscape, with designers, brands, and producers adopting sustainable practices that span the entire
supply chain (Tyler, Heeley & Bhamra, 2006), from responsibly sourcing materials to ethical treatment of
workers and the integration of innovative technologies to minimize environmental impact.
Despite these advancements, sustainable fashion has not yet succeeded in replacing fast fashion as the
dominant consumption model. In this context, our article presents a comparative analysis between both
approaches, highlighting the differences, challenges, and advancements in the development of both trends.
This study examines key aspects such as production speed, material usage, working conditions, and
environmental awareness. Through a comprehensive evaluation, we aim to provide an integrated view of
the current landscape and possible trajectories in the evolution of sustainable fashion and fast fashion,
thereby contributing to the understanding of the complexity of the fashion industry.
Literature Review
Fast Fashion
Fast fashion is a business model based on mass production of affordable garments. Fast fashion brands are
known for their ability to design, produce, and bring new clothing collections to market in short periods of
time. This concept creates a constant turnover of products in stores, thus creating an atmosphere of
opportunity and scarcity that drives impulse purchases by consumers. Prominent examples of this model
are brands within the Inditex group, which have managed to combine innovation, flexibility, and rapid
response to market demands (López Barrios, 2014).
The production process in fast fashion is primarily carried out through outsourcing and subcontracting in
various parts of the world, enabling the offering of new collections in short timeframes at affordable prices.
Nuñez Martinez, G., Martínez Cruz, M.A., Chávez Pichardo, M., Trejo Martínez, A., Arenas Reséndiz, T. / Volume 13 - Issue 77:
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However, despite providing access to fashionable garments at low prices, fast fashion has also been subject
to criticism for its environmental and social impact. Large-scale production and rapid inventory turnover
generate a significant amount of textile waste and contribute to environmental pollution. Additionally, in
many cases, employees in fast fashion factories may be affected by issues such as precarious working
conditions (Haug & Busch, 2015) and challenges related to health and safety (Cesar da Silva et al., 2021).
Slow Fashion
Slow fashion is a model in the fashion industry that seeks to promote the production and consumption of
clothing in a more conscious manner, focusing on values such as quality, durability, and ethics in fashion
(Niinimäki, 2015).
One of the main pillars of slow fashion is the prioritization of quality over quantity (Puig Torrero, 2017).
Instead of creating disposable garments, the aim is to design clothing that lasts over time and withstands
wear and tear. This involves using high-quality materials and manufacturing techniques that ensure the
durability of the garments. Additionally, slow fashion goes beyond environmental sustainability (Jung &
Jin, 2014); it promotes conscious consumption by encouraging consumers to make more thoughtful
purchasing decisions (Domingos et al., 2022), choosing garments that align with their needs and personal
values rather than blindly following fashion trends. It also values timeless design, which is not subject to
fleeting trends and promotes a more enduring and versatile lifestyle.
Sustainable Fashion
Sustainable fashion is part of the Slow Fashion movement. Sustainable fashion, also known and
interchangeably used with other terms such as ecological fashion, green fashion, ethical fashion (Carey &
Cervellon, 2014), or eco-friendly fashion, is an approach to the design, production, and consumption of
clothing that aims to minimize negative environmental impact and promote fair working conditions in the
textile industry.
The primary objective of sustainable fashion is environmental responsibility, which involves minimizing
the use of natural resources such as water and energy. Durability and quality are the most important aspects
because producing high-quality garments that endure over time reduces the need for constantly purchasing
new clothing, thereby minimizing pollution generated by the disposal of garments.
Like slow fashion, sustainable fashion promotes conscious consumption of garments, encouraging
consumers to buy responsibly by considering the quality and origin of products. Additionally, sustainable
fashion advocates for transparency and ethics regarding its practices and production processes (Solino et
al., 2020), enabling consumers to make informed decisions about their purchases. Moreover, consumers
are increasingly willing to pay a higher price when they perceive the added value of supporting responsible
practices and contributing to environmental conservation, thus demonstrating their preference for
sustainable products (Bilotte, 2021).
History and Development: From Fast Fashion to Sustainable Fashion
The concept of fast fashion originated in the 19th-century Industrial Revolution when the first efforts were
made to cheapen production by leveraging the growing mass manufacturing of clothing (Godley, 1997).
However, the true rise of fast fashion occurred in the 1960s with the emergence of retail brands like Zara
and H&M (Gutiérrez, 2023), brands known for producing fashion at low cost and in large quantities.
Before the 19th century, clothing manufacturing required manual and laborious processes to transform raw
materials into garments. However, the Industrial Revolution brought revolutionary technologies such as the
sewing machine (Sáenz, 2020) and the weaving machine, which allowed for mass production, thus making
clothing more affordable and accessible to the general population. Throughout the decades of the 1970s
and 1980s, technological advancements such as process automation, coupled with globalization,
revolutionized the fashion industry, paving the way for the expansion of fast fashion (Barahona, 2018). By
the late 1990s and early 2000s, fast fashion had solidified itself as a booming industry.
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On the other hand, the origins of slow fashion are intimately linked to cultural, social, and economic
changes that influenced how society began to approach fashion. The growing environmental awareness
gave rise to the emergence of slow fashion, influenced by the "slow food" movement (Slow food, 2015),
originated in Italy in the 1980s. This movement promoted conscious consumption of food, emphasizing the
importance of quality, sustainability, and the origin of products. This philosophy served as inspiration for
slow fashion (Fletcher, 2010), which advocates for a similar approach in clothing.
Subsequently, the increasing globalization, which on one hand has led to the expansion of fast fashion, also
increased the demand for more ethical and sustainable options. This shift in preferences laid the groundwork
for the emergence of sustainable fashion, which seeks to address the environmental and social challenges
associated with the fast fashion industry. While its popularity has grown in recent times, the roots of
sustainable fashion can be traced back to the 1960s, when consumers began to be aware of the
environmental and social impact of the fashion industry, demanding a change in manufacturing practices
(Jung & Jin, 2014). Although initially faced resistance, this began to change with campaigns against the
use of animal fur in the 1980s and 1990s (Wadhawan & Ansari, 2018), generating a growing interest in
ethical clothing towards the end of the 20th century and up to the present day.
Methodology
For this study, a qualitative comparative approach was chosen to explore and contrast sustainable fashion
and fast fashion models. This methodology allowed capturing perspectives from key actors and the
underlying dynamics in both sectors of this industry. Central points of this comparison included economic
context, use of fabrics and materials, garment quality, price variability, consumer trends, product lifecycle,
labor conditions, and profitability, among other relevant aspects.
The process of collecting bibliographic information occurred in multiple stages to ensure comprehensive
coverage of available sources. Initially, relevant keywords were defined such as "moda sustentable"
(sustainable fashion), "sustainable fashion", "moda rápida" (fast fashion), "fast fashion", along with
additional terms like "éticamente responsable" (ethically responsible), "producción ética" (ethical
production), "impacto ambiental de la moda" (environmental impact of fashion), "consumo consciente"
(conscious consumption), and others related to sustainable practices and the textile industry. Inclusion
criteria encompassed studies, reports, and academic articles published in Spanish and English focusing on
sustainable fashion practices and fast fashion. Non-academic sources, opinion pieces lacking empirical
support, and publications lacking clear comparative data were excluded.
Searches were conducted in relevant academic databases within the field, such as Google Scholar, Scopus,
and Web of Science. Keyword combinations were used to ensure capturing a wide range of relevant
literature. All relevant references were recorded and organized to facilitate access and review. Titles and
abstracts of search results were reviewed to determine relevance. Selected sources were read in detail and
evaluated for validity, reliability, and relevance to the comparative study. Key data extraction was
performed from each source, focusing on specific aspects mentioned in the study.
For data representation, detailed comparative tables were developed, structured as checklists with concise
descriptions based on the collected data. This included initially identifying and defining critical categories
for comparing sustainable fashion and fast fashion, systematically designing tables with columns
representing the two fashion models (sustainable and fast) and rows representing comparison categories.
Each cell contained concise descriptions based on the gathered data. The tables were carefully reviewed to
ensure coherence in the presented information. Data validation was achieved through source triangulation,
comparing findings from various studies and articles to maintain consistency and reliability, thereby
mitigating biases and ensuring the analysis remained objective.
Results and Discussion
Economic context
The fast fashion industry has capitalized on the demand for affordable trend-driven garments, significantly
transforming the economic landscape of the textile industry. One of the reasons behind the appeal of fast
fashion is its accessible price compared to high-end fashion garments. This availability of clothing at low
prices allows consumers to constantly renew their wardrobes without making a large investment, thereby
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driving repeated and frequent consumption. This aspect is crucial to understand why people choose to spend
a significant portion of their income on these types of products (Vázquez Cadena et al., 2020).
Furthermore, the emphasis on producing quickly and cost-effectively has led to the outsourcing of garment
manufacturing to countries with lower labor costs. While this may result in lower prices for consumers, it
also has negative economic consequences such as labor exploitation and job loss in developed countries.
On the other hand, sustainable fashion is proving that ethics and sustainability can coexist with economic
success (Cordenons, & Verri, 2016). As consumers become more aware of the ethical and environmental
implications of their purchasing decisions, sustainable brands are gaining ground, suggesting a shift in
consumer preferences that could reshape market dynamics (Jacobs et al., 2018). Although sustainable
garments may have a higher initial price than fast fashion options, their durability and superior quality often
result in better long-term value. By investing in quality clothing designed to last (Aakko & Koskennurmi-
Sivonen, 2013), consumers can reduce the frequency with which they need to replace their garments, saving
money in the long run and reducing the need to spend a significant percentage of their income on fashion.
Additionally, sustainable fashion promotes more equitable and transparent economic practices throughout
the supply chain. This includes ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for workers at all stages
of production, as well as reducing the outsourcing of manufacturing to countries with extremely low labor
costs. By prioritizing ethics in manufacturing, sustainable fashion contributes to supporting local jobs and
strengthening the economies of the communities where the garments are produced.
Speed vs. Sustainability
Fast fashion has experienced exponential growth due to its speed of production. However, this accelerated
approach has led the clothing industry to produce at an unsustainable rate. Although fast fashion companies
thrive on short cycles (Joy et al., 2012), the consequences of accelerated production are reflected in the
massive waste of water resources, the use of harmful chemicals, the generation of CO2 emissions, and the
production of garments that are practically disposable, contributing to the global waste problem (Pastrana
& Almanza, 2021).
In contrast, sustainable fashion has emerged as a conscious response to the problems generated by fast
fashion. Although it has progressed in integrating ethical and sustainable practices, such as the adoption of
organic or recycled materials, it faces the challenge of balancing it with the speed of production. This is
because the availability of materials and production costs sometimes hinder the growth of the industry and
the ability to meet market demand quickly and efficiently.
Table 1.
Speed vs. Sustainability
Aspect
Fast Fashion
Sustainable Fashion
Production pace
Fast
Variable
Resource wastage
High
Low
Use of harmful chemicals to health
Focus on integrating ethical and sustainable practices
Challenge of balancing sustainability with production speed
Materials
Fast fashion, driven by the need to keep costs low and follow market trends, often opts for unsustainable
materials, leading to frequent use of synthetic fibers and opaque manufacturing processes, resulting in
considerable environmental impact. On the other hand, sustainable fashion aims to use more eco-friendly
materials, such as organic or recycled ones (Muthu, 2017; Peters et al., 2019). However, the transition to
these materials faces challenges in terms of availability and costs. Innovation in this regard is essential for
the sustainable development of fashion, as the current stagnation has had significant economic
repercussions. The lack of innovation and pressure to meet a constantly growing market have led to the
proliferation of highly profitable companies, often at the expense of environmental consequences (Marín
& Monroy, 2013). In response, the apparel industry is attempting to incorporate sustainable fabrics not only
as an added value but as a priority consideration to contribute to environmental conservation.
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Table 2.
Materials
Aspect
Fast Fashion
Sustainable Fashion
Cost of raw materials
Lower
Higher
Availability of raw materials
Higher
Lower
Frequent use of synthetic fibers
Use of sustainable materials
Use of organic or recycled fibers
Quality vs. Price
The increasing globalization has facilitated the expansion of fast fashion, a phenomenon in which retailers
seek to quickly replicate runway trends. This approach has stimulated consumer demand for affordable
fashion garments and leading retailers and brands to pressure their suppliers, often located in developing
countries, to reduce manufacturing costs (Iwanow et al., 2005). The fashion industry is thus pressured to
seek low costs, design flexibility, and a certain level of quality to remain profitable in an ever-evolving
market (Bhardwaj & Fairhurst, 2010). Therefore, the main difference between fast fashion and sustainable
fashion in terms of price lies in the perception of value and the costs associated with garment production.
Fast fashion is distinguished by offering garments at relatively low prices, often resulting from the
optimization of production processes and the use of lower-quality materials. This strategy enables fast
fashion brands to maintain affordable prices for consumers.
On the other hand, sustainable fashion tends to have higher prices than fast fashion. This is due to various
factors, such as the use of higher quality materials, the adoption of more ethical and sustainable production
practices, and a smaller scale of production. Although prices may be higher, sustainable fashion is perceived
as an investment due to the added value it offers in terms of durability, quality, and social and environmental
responsibility, which can offset the initial cost with long-term benefits.
Table 3.
Quality vs. Price
Aspect
Fast Fashion
Sustainable Fashion
Price of garments
Low
High
Quality of raw materials
Low
High
Perception of garment value
Low
High
Costs associated with production
Lower
Higher
Scale of production
Higher
Lower
Trends and Consumption
Fashion, more than almost any other field of art and industry, is inextricably intertwined with time, finding
its essence in current and fast-moving trends and its inspiration in emerging styles (Brewer, 2019). In this
context, fast fashion is distinguished by its trend-based production approach, constantly churning out
collections of garments that cater to consumers with the latest in fashion.
This constant pursuit of staying ahead of trends drives accelerated production, often at the expense of
garment quality. While the fast fashion strategy makes it easier for consumers to purchase clothing more
frequently, it also generates pressure to keep up with rapidly changing trends (Lang, Armstrong & Liu,
2016). This fosters impulsive consumption by offering garments in constant flux and incites consumers to
buy excessively.
On the other hand, sustainable fashion focuses on durable and timeless trends that transcend fleeting fads,
prioritizing quality over quantity. Sustainable fashion brands tend to have longer and more careful
production cycles, which involve more meticulous planning and selective production. In this sense, it
promotes the purchase of high-quality garments that last over time, fostering more conscious and
responsible consumption by consumers based on durability and mindful investment.
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Table 4.
Trends and Consumption
Aspect
Fast Fashion
Sustainable Fashion
Production according to trends
Continuous production of garment collections
Emphasis on staying ahead of trends
Sacrifice of quality for fashionability
Encouragement of impulsive consumption
Focus on durable and timeless trends
Prioritization of quality over quantity
Long and careful production cycles
Meticulous planning and selective production
Promotion of purchasing high-quality garments
Encouragement of conscious and responsible consumption
Lifecycle
Fast fashion and sustainable fashion differ significantly in terms of the durability of their garments. In fast
fashion, the lifecycle of a garment begins with accelerated production aimed at following the latest trends.
This approach often sacrifices quality in favor of profitability, using lower-quality materials and less
rigorous production techniques. As a result, garments tend to have a shorter lifespan and are more prone to
wear and tear.
In contrast, sustainable fashion focuses on the durability and quality of garments, using high-quality
materials and careful manufacturing techniques to ensure that the garments can withstand the test of time.
Sustainable fashion recognizes the importance of investing in quality garments with a long lifespan.
In general, sustainable fashion garments are designed to withstand the test of time, considering that fabrics
have various environmental impacts throughout their lifecycle (Tojo, 2012). The aim is to obtain garments
that can be worn for longer periods without losing their appearance or functionality. Additionally, the
promotion of care practices, such as proper washing and maintenance, contributes to further prolonging
their lifespan. Furthermore, sustainable fashion promotes recycling, reusing, and repairing garments as
alternatives to disposal, thereby creating a longer lifecycle (Kamis et al., 2018; Ekström & Salomonson,
2014).
However, variety and novelty continue to be significant factors influencing consumer behavior and giving
fast fashion an advantage. This is compounded using aggressive marketing strategies and attractive pricing
by fast fashion, strategies designed to maintain consumer interest in their products. This approach can
overshadow the consideration of durability and quality that sustainable fashion offers, emphasizing
convenience and immediate accessibility over long-term sustainability.
Table 5.
Lifecycle
Aspect
Fast Fashion
Sustainable Fashion
Durability of garments
Lower
Higher
Manufacturing techniques
Less rigorous
Careful
Focus on care
Lower
Priority
Environmental impact throughout the lifecycle
Higher
Lower
Longevity of garments
Short
Long
Promotes obsolescence
Encourages reuse and recycling
Circularity and Environmental Awareness
Circularity in fashion refers to an approach that aims to minimize waste and maximize the lifespan of
garments, as well as promote reuse and recycling, instead of following the traditional linear model where
products are manufactured, fulfill their lifespan, and then discarded (Blum, 2021). Fast fashion has
contributed to the problem of textile waste due to the rapid obsolescence of garments (Ozdamar Ertekin &
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Atik, 2015). This phenomenon generates a variety of physical contaminants, such as metal zippers and
plastic buttons, commonly found in collected textile waste. Additionally, the mixture of various polymers
used in garment manufacturing also contributes to this issue (Roos et al., 2019).
In general terms, fashion consumers are attracted to constant novelty, which implies that new products must
be available frequently (Bruce & Daly, 2006). This dynamism generates impulsive purchases and leads to
the generation of many discarded garments, which were barely used. Therefore, the absence of a circular
approach has increased the negative environmental impact of the industry, and although sustainable fashion
strives to promote circularity as part of its characteristics, it often faces difficulties in fully closing the
lifecycle of garments.
This issue has become more evident to society, which is increasingly aware of the environmental impact
generated by fast fashion (García-Huguet, 2021), and as environmental awareness grows and demand for
more sustainable practices rises, fast fashion companies are starting to adopt more responsible measures.
Some brands are implementing clothing recycling programs, collaborating with textile reuse organizations,
and utilizing innovative technologies to reduce waste and improve circularity in their supply chains (Pastor
Inchauspe, 2018). The implementation of these measures by fashion companies is crucial for addressing
the industry's negative environmental impact (Henninger et al., 2015).
Working Conditions
Exploitation in fast fashion is a significant concern due to pressures to reduce costs, often resulting in
precarious working conditions and low wages, especially in factories located in developing countries. A
large portion of garment production, in terms of labor, takes place in developing economies (Morris &
Barnes, 2009), distancing the end consumer from producers and complicating awareness of related issues.
Additionally, this industry also faces the challenge of clandestine factories (Rudell, 2006), which operate
outside the law, under conditions including poor labor rights, low wages, child labor, and modern slavery
(Mair et al., 2016; Peake & Kenner, 2020).
On the other hand, while labor ethics are a priority for sustainable fashion, maintaining competitive costs
without compromising ethical principles remains a constant challenge. Ensuring fair wages and adequate
working conditions is crucial, but it can impact competitiveness in a market driven by speed.
Table 6.
Working Conditions
Aspect
Fast Fashion
Sustainable Fashion
Fair labor conditions
Compliance with labor laws
Child labor
Sacrifice of ethics for profitability
Profitability
The fast fashion business model prioritizes maximizing profit margins through reducing production costs,
leading to the use of cheaper materials and efficient but less sustainable manufacturing processes. This
allows fast fashion products to be sold at lower prices, which can attract price-sensitive consumer segments.
However, this strategy may be affected by fierce market competition and a perception of lower quality
among consumers. On the other hand, in sustainable fashion, production costs are often higher due to the
use of organic, recycled, or fair-trade materials, as well as more environmentally and friendly production
processes. This results in higher selling prices, but it can also lead to a perception of greater value among
consumers as they recognize the positive impact on the environment and communities. While profit margins
may be more stable in the long run-in sustainable fashion, the challenge lies in finding the right balance
between profitability and long-term sustainability.
Synergy Between Fast Fashion and Sustainable Fashion
As environmental awareness grows, and the consumption model of fast fashion evolves, opportunities for
convergence with sustainable fashion are emerging. The widespread adoption of sustainable practices in
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fast fashion and continuous improvement in the responsiveness of sustainable fashion could pave the way
for a more balanced model. On one hand, fast fashion could benefit from the integration of more sustainable
materials and processes into its supply chain, which would contribute to reducing its environmental impact
and improving its brand image among increasingly conscious consumers. On the other hand, sustainable
fashion could learn from the agility and efficiency of fast fashion in terms of production and distribution,
allowing it to respond more quickly to market demands without compromising its ethical and environmental
principles. Consumer engagement will be key in this transformation process towards a more conscious and
responsible textile industry.
In this sense, innovation plays a fundamental role in the convergence between both trends. The development
of new sustainable materials, more efficient work methodologies, and environmentally friendly production
processes can open new possibilities for the fashion industry.
Conclusions
In this work, an analysis has been carried out that examines the distinctive differences between sustainable
fashion and fast fashion, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability in the fashion industry. As
society moves towards a more conscious and ethical future, understanding how these two trends influence
fashion becomes essential for charting the course towards a more sustainable and equitable industry.
While sustainable fashion has emerged as an ethically and environmentally responsible response, its ability
to overcome the speed and accessibility of fast fashion remains an area of development. At the same time,
the integration of sustainable practices in fast fashion could offer a path towards a future where both trends
can integrate into a new trend, effectively addressing the environmental issues inherent in the textile
industry in garments.
The challenge lies in finding a balance where fashion can remain expressive, innovative, and profitable
while embracing practices that respect the environment and society. Ultimately, it is through collaboration,
innovation, and commitment to sustainability that we can positively transform the fashion industry.
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